Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig 's contract extension is the first of its kind in NFL history.
The Pittsburgh Steelers locked up outside linebacker Nick Herbig for the foreseeable future with a four-year, $100 million contract extension that includes $42 million in guaranteed money. However, while the deal seems to be well-deserved, it turns out it is quite unique.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter , Herbig is now believed to be the first non-quarterback to surpass $100 million without ever starting an entire season in his NFL career.
That is certainly an odd asterisk to go along with Herbig's new deal, but that doesn't mean he isn't deserving of it.
Herbig, 24, has displayed exactly why he demanded such a payday over the past three years, racking up 79 tackles, 16 sacks, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, three passes defensed and one interception all while working in a rotation with fellow outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith .
Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig in a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 7, 2026 — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
That isn't likely to change in 2026, either, with all three players making big-time salaries. However, it surely sets up the team to part ways with one of Watt or Highsmith next offseason.
Who that could be remains to be seen, but Herbig is not going anywhere, and rightfully so. He quickly established himself as a valuable member of the Steelers' pass-rush and could soon take center stage.
Meanwhile, Watt entering the later stages of his career and Highsmith is approaching the end of his four-year contract extension. The Steelers also added outside linebacker Jack Sawyer in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh will soon have to lock up other members of the 2023 draft class, too, including defensive tackle Keeanu Benton and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. , who are reaching the end of their rookie deals.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Nick Herbig Makes Odd NFL History With Steelers Extension
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